I am not exactly the worlds best caster and usually struggle along with a 9' 6" No. 8.

What would be easier to cast? Shorter rod? Lighter line?

Any advice welcome, thanks.

Ian,

You would probably be better getting some casting lessons [no disrespect meant]
The rod and line you have are the same as I use, but I have been FF for nearly 40 years.
I also use a 9'6" 7# again this is OK for me.
I have a 9' 10# for Pike and a 9' 6# for those days when the fish are taking freely on little buzzers.
9' rods are generally easier to cast.

Colin

Thanks for that Colin, so 9' it is then.

Another question: Is a no. 6 a lot easier to cast than a no. 8? Can a no. 6 cast very far?

Thanks for any advice, I fancy some new kit and wouldn't mind trying something easier.

PS Point taken about lessons

Is your rod a stiff actioned rod,if so it might load it quicker to go one size line up from the rods rating,if it is a stiff action it should not cause the rod any undue stress.
I have very stiff actioned rod/s and i am going to try a size higher rating line-just to test the theory out,although i have no major problems casting.having said that,my casting is probably woefully short of good compared with many.

chuby,

Yes it feels stiff actioned to me.

I think I should get a more flexible 9' no. 7 rod rather than buying a no.9 line, but I will be interested to hear how you get on.

Next question, what does a £500 rod do that a £50 rod doesn't? Maybe I should invest in a decent rod and line for once in my life.

Ian, you will notice a huge difference between a No.8 outfit and a No.6 one. It is normal for heavy lines to cast further than light ones since distance is related to speed and weight (so if you decrease the weight and keep the speed the same, the distance cast will be less). I generally fish a no.6 floater on stillwaters but I will go up to a 7 for casting into a wind or for sinking lines. I suggest you try a no.7 outfit for starters - you will notice the difference from a no.8 (it will be lighter and more pleasant to use) but you probably will not be worried about the small loss in distance. Why not try that for a season then try a no6 next year? Good luck.

Hi Ian,

I've only realy been seriously fly fishing for just over 2 years so not quite 40 years, but I have always used a 9ft 5/6 weight. I recently upgraded to a greys GRX which has been a good investment. I've found this length and weight very comfortable and a pleasure to cast out a good line with lighter patterns in most conditions. There is more concentration needed if you put on heavier flies, which is when a step up to a slightly heavier weight comes into play.

I have used a friends 10ft 8 weight, which to be honest, I found a little clumbsy, but that is probably down to my own preference.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, wozzamozza

Ian,

You may find this link interesting and helpful, as it contains links to help you improve your casting.

Several friends of mine have commented that as they[and me] get older a lighter outfit is much nicer to use. They are also amazed that their distance is not much less.

If you have a good technique you should be able to cast almost as far with a 6# line.

Give me a shout when you manage 50 yards

Colin

Thanks for all your help guys, I will definitely be getting some lighter kit for the spring.

One more question: Do you prefer a tip action or a through action? The rod I have seems as flexible as an ironing board. Any recommended makes/models? (Greys noted thanks Wozzamozza).

You may well find a mid actioned rod more comfortable/easy to cast with.In have two fast actioned rods and get on ok with them-and i certainly aint a great caster.Also have a mid actioned rod,which is a tad easier to cast with.
I think it is hard to tell if you will like a rod until you actually use it

Get casting lessons, then buy new kit.

Also by getting casting lessons you will find out the type of rod that suits your style.
Failing that choose a tackle dealer who will let you try various rods.

Where abouts are you situated? If anywhere near to an AW reservoir you can get lessons and try out loads of rods etc.

It might be worth a trip to the Anglian region?

Colin

Thanks Colin but I am on the other side of the country, I may just look up a casting instructor nearby, everyone seems to agree on that point so I guess it's worth a shot.
Thanks again.

Hi
A heavier rod isn't always easier to cast, it's all about balance. I can't really see any requirement to go heavier than a 5 weight for trout fishing in the UK. I regularly use a 3 weight, and I am by no means a great caster, as Jim Doyle I am sure would agree!
It's all about enjoying the experience, and a 5 wt with a good floating line and a little spider or buzzer is a lot more fun than pulling daft great lures on an 8wt Tarpon rod, in my opinion
Dave

Buying a new fly rod. Best to try it our first. Find a dealer with a casting pool. They are few are far between. Two that I know off are Walkers of Trowell ( Nottingham ) and Sportsfish ( location ? ).

I won an expensive rod years ago and it was rubbish.

Years ago, before I knew better, was after a fly rod endorsed by a known FF, my then boss bought one and when I gave it a try was thankful I had not wasted my money.

You find different rods / makes etc have actions that will or will not match your style of casting. One of my best rods was a cheapo ABU ( Diplomat 10' 7wt ) what cost at the time about £50.00. A twonk shut it in the car door so I went out and bought the updated version which, though light as a feather, did not have such a nice action.

You'll find that if you can try out some rods you could get a surprise, you don't have to spend huge sums. Make sure you take your own reel/line(s) along.

General nymph fishing with a floating line I perfer a 9ft 6 or 7wt. If you are into fast sinking lines, fishing heavy nymphs or lures step up one weight. My recomemation would be to stick with the lighter set up and fish finer. It's far more rewarding. Add a foot to the length if you intend to do a lot of boat fishing with a team of droppers.

Sportfish is in Reading.
There's also Peter Cockwill: Albury Game Angling
The Street, Albury
Surrey, GU5 9AG (bought my gear there - excellent service).
Also, just to add, when I went there Peter gave me around 8 rods to go out and cast with. First though, he removed the price tags and asked me to tell him which was the better rod for me. Ended up with a Greys for a fraction of the price of some of them, so I'd definately agree that price isn't everything.
Hope this helps,
Steve.